New effort to reduce ozone pollution Environmentalists and businesses working together By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle Friday the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, area businesses and community leaders announced a partnership to voluntarily reduce the area's ozone pollution. Wisconsin Public Service and Georgia-Pacific are two businesses that have joined the DNR to keep Green Bay off of the Environmental Protection Agency's nonattainment list, a list of areas not in compliance with EPA air quality standards. If Green Bay were to be a nonattainment area, the city's transportation plan and area businesses would face strictly enforced pollutant emissions standards. Lloyd Eagan, DNR director of air management, said for every new ton of emissions released into the air in a nonattainment area, one ton must be cut, possibly forcing factories to shut down. "Ozone pollution is the main air quality concern in Wisconsin," said Scott Hassett, Department of Natural Resources secretary. Ozone that is 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface protects the earth from ultraviolet rays, but ground-level ozone can irritate the throat, and cause wheezing, couching and shortness of breath. Ozone pollution worsens lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Children, the elderly, those who exercise or work outdoors, and people who have respiratory diseases are most at risk. The key to reducing ozone pollution, Eagan said, is to cut down the emission of nitrogen oxides, by-products of incomplete combustion, and volatile organic compounds, such as fuel and paint evaporations. Such chemicals create ozone pollution when they react with summer heat. She said simple things like fueling cars after dark, tightening gas caps to keep fuel from escaping and carpooling can reduce ozone pollution. Paul Linzmeyer of the Green bay Chamber of Commerce was among several leaders in the community showing support for the voluntary effort to cut down on pollution. "I am really excited about the collaborative approach," he said. "It is the only way we can succeed." The voluntary partnership to reduce air pollutants depends on the air quality of surrounding areas. State Sen. Dave Hansen said more than 50 percent of emissions travel from state to state and county to county. "We cannot afford to fail," he said. Dane, Rock and Jefferson counties are also participating in voluntary reductions of nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds.